2012 Ram Cargo Van First Drive

Prepping a Minivan for Work Duty

Yes, the Cargo Van is based on the same platform as Chrysler's minivan platform, but the Cargo Van version has been modified to carry more payload. The introduction of this van gives Ram a competitor to the Ford Transit Connect, and the Ram has a higher payload capacity. The company previously had a cargo van, the Grand Caravan C/V, but it makes more sense for a work van to be a part of the Ram group. Also, the engineers wanted to make sure this van would appeal to small-business owners, so it kept the van reasonably priced.

Even though it's based on a minivan, it isn't just a Chrysler Town & Country with covered side windows (glass is available, too). The engineers aimed to make enough changes to appeal to people who need a vehicle with genuine payload capacity, without making the van overly expensive. In addition to the privacy panels, this van has an 1800-pound payload capacity, which is better than that of the Transit Connect, and it can tow 3600 pounds. It also has an impressive cargo volume: 144.4 cubic feet, the best in the small-van class. In back, the Cargo Van uses an aluminum load floor standard, with an optional floor that includes three storage bins and floor-mounted tie-downs. Also added to make the van cargo-ready are a heavy-duty radiator and transmission oil cooler.

We did a brief drive of the Ram Cargo Van, and can see why this van would appeal to fleet buyers focused on value. With this van, you get something that has a low roof height, making any parking garage accessible; and there's nothing different about driving this from driving any other minivan, with the exception of the lack of a rearview mirror.The most notable difference is the ride. Because it was beefed up to carry more payload, the ride is much firmer, but certainly not jarring. Basically, this is a minivan made for work, and pricing starts at less than $25,000.